Two Tall Ships for Great Yarmouth Maritime Festival

Visitors to the Great Yarmouth Maritime Festival, on Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 September, will be able to go aboard two fantastic tall ships the Dutch square-rigged two–masted Brig Mercedes and the Spanish tall ship Tres Hombres, as well as enjoying all the other entertainment on South Quay. The festival is organised annually by Greater Yarmouth Tourist Authority.


The 32-metre, two-masted square-rigged schooner, the brigantine Tres Hombres, was named after a collaborative project between three friends and began service in December 2009, pioneering the modern-day use of sailing ships as cargo vessels. She maintains a shipping route for cargo transport between Europe, Atlantic islands, the Caribbean and America. In addition to her capacity for 35 tons of cargo, she can accommodate a crew of five professional sailors and 10 trainees.

The massive brigantine Mercedes is a German registered Tall Ship, which was fitted out in Holland and began sailing in 2005. It combines the latest technology in a modern, yet very traditional tall ship, which can also welcome wheelchair users. It was designed to provide sailing in unashamed luxury with comfortable lounges, deck saloon and bar.

The Mercedes will also be offering 2-3 hour sailing trips from the south end of South Quay on Thursday 30 and Friday 31 August and Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 September. Tickets for the sailings are available online at http://www.maritime-festival.co.uk/, from the Great Yarmouth Tourist Information Centre on Marine Parade or by telephoning 01493 332200.

Sailing times are as follows:

Thursday 30 August at 9.00am and 17.30 (3-4 hour sailing)

Friday 31 August at 10.45am and 18.30

Saturday 1 September at 19.00 and Sunday 2 September at 19.30

All sailing’s are 2-3 hours in duration; tickets cost £35 with the exception of the Thursday evening 3-4 hour sailing which is priced at £42. The exact trip duration will be dependent on tide and weather conditions.

Ken Sims, Chairman of the Greater Yarmouth Tourist Authority said: “Sailings on tall ships at previous Maritime Festivals proved very popular with visitors who were keen to experience life under sail out on the high seas. We are delighted to welcome back the Mercedes to this year’s Maritime Festival and look forward to exploring the Tres Hombres”

The Great Yarmouth Maritime Festival will also feature music, street entertainment, arts, crafts, children’s activities and refreshments, http://www.maritime-festival.co.uk/.

Photograph: Tres Hombres - by Hajo Olij